BMW denies rumors of F1 comeback as engine builder

Recent rumors say that BMW plans to return to F1 as an engine builder. The rumormill churned when former team boss Gian Carlo Minardo posted this on his website:

“The engine revolution that has marked this new era of Formula 1 has involved several engine manufactures, present and not present on the race field”, the manager from Faenza comments. “We’ve always affirmed that several constructors are testing these new power units, that will represent the future for standard cars, independently from their participation to the F1 World Championship. German rumor has it that a BMW Board of Directors has been fixed for the month of May to consider a coming back in F1 already for 2015. The promoter of this project is Steven Althaus, Director Brand Management BMW and Marketing Services BMW Group. A confirmation of BMW’s concrete will to evaluate future projects has been the continuous and steady presence of technicians, both in the pre-season testing and during the first races, gathering important information. ”

BMW is quick to deny the rumors. BMW spokesman Joerg Kottmeier said that nothing has changed in the strategic plans of BMW Motorsport.